Where are you originally from?
Newfoundland, Canada.
What made you decide to serve in the US Military?
I wanted to serve ever since I was a kid, it was my dream job.
What branch of the military did you serve in?
United States Marine Corps.
Why did you choose that branch?
Everything they stand for, the brotherhood, the drive to be the best of the best, the mentality of the USMC being ”earned, never given.”
Where were you stationed?
Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
Did you serve in OIF, OEF, or OND? If so, did you sustain any combat related injuries? If you feel comfortable, please tell me some of your experiences overseas, and any injuries you sustained.
OEF, 2012-2013, 3rd Bn 9th Marines, Combat Photographer, Southern Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
You are a member of the NC Warriors hockey team — how did you find the Warriors program? What encouraged you to join?
Word of mouth from a friend. I played hockey as a kid and was planning to get back into the sport once I was out of the Marines, once I heard about the NC Warriors I signed up immediately.
Have you always been a fan of hockey?
Yes, since I was born. Hockey is huge in Canada.
What is your favorite team?
I grew up watching and following the Hartford Whalers, Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens — once the Whalers became the Carolina Hurricanes I continued to follow them as well and they’re my favorite team.
Who is your favorite hockey player, and why?
99, Gretzky. No debate.
Did you play hockey before the NC Warriors?
Yes. I stopped playing around 14 years old when I moved to the United States.
You sustained a life altering accident 8 months ago. If you feel comfortable, tell me a little about the accident.
A man wasn’t paying attention and failed to yield to the right of way on-coming traffic (me) and hit me. It launched me off my motorcycle approximately 40 feet. My left foot was severed on impact and not reattachable. It also shattered my left femur clean in half and I also sustained a back fracture along with numerous scrapes, cuts and bruises.
You recently were able to get on the ice and skate for the first time on your prosthetic skate — how was that experience? It must have been a very emotional experience, how did you feel before, during, and after that first skate? I was there, you did amazing, and I was so proud of you!
Honestly, given everything from the accident that I’ve been having to go through, it was an amazing experience. It felt great to be back out on the ice, feel the coldness of it, the smells of the rink, the sounds of the sticks on ice, it was amazing. Before the skate, I was super nervous and worried I would be terrible and end up realizing I’d end up having to hang up my skates and never play again, but once I got out there it wasn’t so bad and although difficult and felt really weird skating on a prosthetic it just fueled my drive even more to get back to playing and putting in the effort to get back to my skill level pre-accident.
What are some of the things the team has done for you, to support you, and keep your morale up after the accident?
This team has done more for me than can be put into words. The brotherhood, the friendships I’ve formed, the instant “I can lend a hand with that, no problem” whenever something arises that I need help with. They’re more than just teammates to me… they’re family. The outpouring of support from them after my accident helped keep me going and keep my spirits up to want to get back out on the ice.
What are some things you hope to see in the future with the NC Warrior hockey team?
More members. We’re growing so fast and I love it. I love seeing how many veterans are taking an interest in wanting to learn how to play and grow the sport. No better sport exists.
How has being a part of this team affected you personally?
It has brought back a sense of brotherhood I thought I wouldn’t experience anymore since I left the Marines. It’s a great morale booster being able to be around people who have gone through similar experiences as you and be able to relate to it. From the stories to the jokes to the instant willingness to help one another without thinking twice, there’s nothing like it.